UPDATE: Conrad Lake Fire

By
Skyler Srivastava.
Published Sunday, August 18th, 2013

Conrad Lake Fire

Conrad Lake Fire

Conrad Lake Fire has swallowed up 860 acres and containment is at 10%. There are no reported injuries and no evacuations have been carried out because authorities say the fire is still mostly within the Goat Rocks Wilderness in the National Forest area.

The Naches Ranger District says fire growth yesterday was minimal, and crews will continue to strengthen control and contingency fall back lines.

Some crews and resources that came from other fires are approaching their maximum days allowed out and will be released over the next few days.

There will be a general downsizing of resources next week to fit the need.

The incident management team says it's expected to be slightly warmer and drier today, but overall, the fire weather remains favorable for firefighters.

There was an infrared (heat detecting) flight yesterday and while much of the fire edge is cold, hot areas within the fire and on the fire edge remain a threat.

There is continued effort yesterday clearing and brushing roads forming the “box” around the fire for use as a backup control line; however fire managers are establishing direct control line where practical and safe to do so.

A priority has been placed on keeping the fire from advancing south onto private lands.

Base camp is at the Peninsula by Rimrock Lake. The roads in the area of the fire and around the Peninsula are closed as well as some campgrounds accessed by roads that are now closed. See below for details on those closures. State highways 12 and 410 are open.

Background: This fire started by lightning on Friday August 9 and is burning eight miles south of Rimrock Lake and 35 miles southwest of Naches, WA. There are flight restrictions within a seven mile radius of the fire and at the Tieton Airstrip which is at the east end of Rimrock Lake. The Tieton airstrip is closed to general aviation. No campfires are allowed on National Forest lands. The fire is located mostly in Sections 15 and 22 of Township 12 N, Range 12 E.

Road Closures: National Forest roads 1000, 1204, 1205, 1200-725, and the 1070 between its junction with the 1000 to its junction with 1070-595. Trail Closures: Bear Creek Mountain Trail #1130. Conrad Meadows is closed. Area Closure: Rimrock Peninsula Recreation Area including the boat launch. There is no access from the 1200 road onto the 1200-711, 1200-712, 1200-713, 1200-714, 1200-715, 1200-716, 1200-725, and 1200-653 roads.